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Best Enamel Toothpastes

Updated January 2022
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Sensodyne Pronamel Strong and Bright Whitening Enamel Toothpaste
Sensodyne Pronamel
Strong and Bright Whitening Enamel Toothpaste
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Gentle Yet Effective
Bottom Line

This toothpaste contains a powerful formula and protects enamel from acidic food and drinks.

Pros

Advanced brightening of teeth. Toothpaste is pH-neutral. Gentle on enamel while delivering minerals to strengthen. Good at removing stains.

Cons

Toothpaste has a chalky texture and taste. Pricier option.

Best Bang for the Buck
Arm & Hammer Enamel Defense Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer
Enamel Defense Toothpaste
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Contains Baking Soda
Bottom Line

This enamel toothpaste offers protective benefits along with the trusted cleaning action of baking soda.

Pros

Sodium fluoride protects against the formation of cavities. Includes baking soda to clean teeth and gums. Freshens breath.

Cons

May not whiten teeth as well as one would like.

Colgate Enamel Health Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste
Colgate
Enamel Health Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This enamel toothpaste delivers outstanding protection against tooth sensitivity and other oral health problems.

Pros

Gently polishes teeth, reducing risk of germs. Active fluoride to help replenish calcium in enamel. Pleasant taste. Great for sensitive gums.

Cons

Toothpaste may be foamy at times. May have sour aftertaste.

Premier Enamelon Toothpaste
Premier
Enamelon Toothpaste
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Minty Protection
Bottom Line

This enamel toothpaste consistently moisturizes and soothes soft tissues in the mouth.

Pros

Formula designed to increase protection against tooth sensitivity over time. Gluten- and dye-free. Remove debris and residual surface stains. Pleasant mint flavor.

Cons

Tends to foam frequently. May leave mouth dry.

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste
Squigle
Enamel Saver Toothpaste
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For Sensitive Teeth
Bottom Line

This uniquely mild formula is free of harsh ingredients that irritate sensitive or damaged teeth and gums.

Pros

Doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate that irritate canker sores. Plant-derived xylitol is effective to reduce plaque. Mild peppermint flavor.

Cons

Flavor strength is subjective, either mildly pleasant or not strong enough.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best enamel toothpaste

As we age, so do our teeth, and years of wear and tear can result in enamel loss. It’s often caused by food and drink with high acidity, which can result in tooth sensitivity and discoloration. Whether you’re concerned about preserving your enamel or looking for a way to manage enamel erosion, it’s a good idea to start using enamel toothpaste.

Regular toothpaste, while effective, is often filled with harsh, abrasive ingredients. These formulas may be too rough for people with sensitive teeth due to enamel loss. Enamel toothpaste is formulated with milder ingredients, many of which are non-abrasive and naturally derived. Taste and fragrance are often mild as well, which makes brushing more pleasant.

Wondering which enamel toothpaste you should buy? With so many on the market, you have quite a few to compare. To help narrow your options, this buying guide provides an overview of attributes and formulas in enamel toothpaste.

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While practicing good oral hygiene at home is important to manage enamel loss, it’s equally important to schedule regular visits with your dentist. They’ll be able to monitor changes to your teeth and gums and address any concerns you have regarding enamel loss.

Understanding enamel

What is enamel?

Enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth. It protects the inner layers, the dentin and the pulp. You may be surprised to learn that tooth enamel is actually one of the hardest materials in the human body. In fact, it’s made of nearly 98% hydroxyapatite crystals from calcium and phosphate ions.

What causes enamel loss?

Enamel loss is often attributed to excessive consumption of high-acidity beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juice, and coffee. Foods with high acidity can also be problematic for enamel over time, including tomatoes, cherries, and berries. 

Unfortunately, enamel loss isn’t only due to certain foods and beverages. It can also be linked to genetics or certain medications, like antihistamines. Enamel loss is also linked to conditions such as chronic acid reflux and bruxism (teeth grinding).

What are the signs of enamel loss?

Enamel loss is a gradual process, so it’s important to be mindful of signs that indicate it’s time not only to switch to enamel toothpaste, but more importantly, to see your dentist. 

A key symptom of enamel loss is increased sensitivity to certain foods, textures, or temperatures. Discoloration is another common sign, especially if teeth begin to take on a yellow or sallow appearance. With enamel loss, changes to the surface of the teeth are common, especially indentations, cracks, and chips.

How can enamel toothpaste help?

While you can’t get tooth enamel back once it deteriorates, you can use enamel toothpaste to strengthen the existing enamel. This is done with formulas that remineralize the enamel, which increases its overall mineral content. The formulas of enamel toothpaste are also less abrasive and stripping, which means they’re more effective at protecting and preserving enamel.

Attributes of enamel toothpaste

Fluoride

Enamel toothpastes are formulated with fluoride, which is known to markedly improve remineralization of enamel. It also helps fight cavities. Fluoride counteracts the demineralization process that naturally occurs in the mouth in the presence of bacteria and plaque. In addition to the unique balancing act it performs, over time, fluoride strengthens teeth to make them less susceptible to acid damage.

Sensitive teeth-friendly

Unfortunately, enamel loss and sensitive teeth often go hand in hand. For that reason, enamel toothpastes are formulated to be less irritating to teeth and gums.

In addition to protecting teeth through fluoride’s remineralization process, formulas often omit harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead, enamel toothpaste is made with alternate ingredients, many of which are naturally derived and pH neutral. In fact, there are specially formulated enamel toothpastes designed for those who experience extreme sensitivity.

Special formulas

In addition to managing enamel loss, you might be concerned about treating other oral health conditions. Some enamel toothpaste formulas serve two or three purposes.

Whitening

It’s not unusual for those experiencing enamel loss to have yellowed or stained teeth. Whitening formulas, also called “brightening” formulas by some brands, incorporate bleaching agents like silica or hydrogen peroxide into the paste.

Results can be hit-or-miss with whitening formulas. Success is largely contingent upon how deep-set the stains are. Furthermore, people with very sensitive teeth may find that whitening formulas are a bit too harsh for them.

Freshening

If you appreciate a fresh aftertaste that lingers, you may be interested in enamel toothpaste with “freshening” ingredients. These pastes are flavored with various types of mint — achieved through natural and artificial ingredients — that are formulated to last for up to four hours after brushing.

The fresh flavor of these enamel toothpastes is an acquired taste. You may need to try several before finding one that is both pleasant and long-lasting. It’s important to read the ingredients list carefully, especially if you seek a formula with natural flavors.

Flavorless

For people who are particularly sensitive to tastes, there are a few flavorless enamel toothpastes on the market. These formulas are often preferred by those who dislike the aftertaste experience. Kids who have difficulty warming up to traditional toothpaste flavors may also appreciate a flavorless paste.

Keep in mind that “flavorless” is a bit of a catch-all term. It can refer to formulas that are designed to neutralize flavor as well as those with no added flavor. Even then, some of these toothpastes can have a peculiar chemical taste.

Natural formulas

Some “natural” enamel toothpaste products are formulated without harsh or abrasive ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead, they’re made with gentle ingredients that are plant-derived, vegan, organic, cruelty-free, preservative-free, or allergy-safe. 

While natural formulas of enamel toothpaste are popular, they may have unusual textures. Some won’t suds up like regular toothpaste. Another concern some consumers have about natural formulas is the often-lofty price tag. 

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Did you know?
Enamel loss can be caused by excessive friction against the teeth, such as biting your nails, chewing on objects, and mouth piercings.
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Enamel toothpaste prices

Enamel toothpaste costs anywhere from $4 to $18 per tube. The price usually depends on the quality of ingredients and whether it’s a specialty formula.

Inexpensive: Entry-level enamel toothpaste costs between $4 and $7 per tube. These products are typically mass-produced by major brands in the oral hygiene space. You’ll find a wide variety of formulas in this range; those for sensitive teeth tend to be pricier.

Mid-range: For $8 and $12, you’ll find targeted formulas that manage enamel loss as well as other high-level issues, such as the need for whitening. There are also some speciality formulas in this range produced by new or independent manufacturers.

Expensive: If you’re spending $13 to $18 on enamel toothpaste, chances are you’re picking up a speciality formula. Few enamel toothpaste products cost this much. Those that do include unique ingredients that are remarkably effective at managing enamel loss as well as other oral health issues. 

Tips

  • Talk to your dentist. While you might be aware that you’re experiencing enamel loss, there may be other dental issues your toothpaste needs to target. A dentist can recommend certain qualities or ingredients to look for in the best enamel toothpaste to cover all your needs.
  • Invest in TSA-friendly bottles. If you’re a traveler who uses a speciality formula of enamel toothpaste, there’s a good chance you won’t find it in a travel-size tube. Invest in TSA-friendly bottles, and load your toothpaste into one of them.
  • Commit to a brushing routine. To maximize the benefits of enamel toothpaste, commit to a proper brushing routine. It’s recommended to brush no less than two minutes and to floss on a regular basis.
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If you experience an uptick in sensitivity when using a new formula of enamel toothpaste, it’s recommended that you discontinue using it. Make an appointment with your dentist to see whether the formula is causing the increased sensitivity or if there are recent changes to your enamel.

FAQ

Q. How long will it take to see the benefits of using enamel toothpaste?
A.
It depends, as the experience varies considerably between people. Some individuals experience near-immediate relief when they switch to enamel toothpaste. Those with major enamel loss may need to use the toothpaste for at least two weeks before seeing or feeling noticeable improvement.
 

Q. Do I need to use enamel toothpaste if I don’t have major enamel issues?
A.
It might not be necessary, as your regular oral hygiene routine and current toothpaste may suffice. When in doubt, it’s recommended to defer to your dentist whether you would benefit from an enamel toothpaste. If you have oral health issues other than modest enamel loss, such as gingivitis or halitosis, you may benefit from using multipurpose enamel toothpaste that addresses all your oral health concerns.
 

Q. The enamel toothpaste I like is expensive. How can I save money buying it?
A.
Coupons are one way to save, but depending on the retailer, you may be limited as to how many you can use. Another option is to buy enamel toothpaste in bulk. In doing so, the price per tube may drop by 15% to 40%. If you buy several tubes at once, make sure to use them before their expiration dates.